Indicator



P. KOLLSMAN INDICATOR May 19, 1931.

Original Filed Aug. 6

Reissued May 19', 1931 Re. l13,072

PATENT OFFICE PAUL KOLLSMAN, OF'WOODHAVEN, NEW YORK, ASIG'NOB. T0KOLLSMAN INSTBUMET cOMPANY, INc., Or BROOKLYN, NEW fromm/A conronagrioNmnIcA'rOn.

F N'EW YORK REISSUED Original No. 1,741,702, dated December 81, 1929,Serial No. 883,981, nled Augult.- 1929. Application for reissue ledDecember 22, 1930. Serial No. 504,188.v l v This invention relates toindicators.

O'ne object of the invention is to provlde an improved device of thecharacter described in which a reference member and an indicating memberare associated together for a synchronous movement for any requiredcondimark is mounted for movement together with a dial Ato permit arapid reading' to be made of the condition shown by the polnter. lFhisarrangement has the disadvantage that when the dial is turned from itsinitial position,

the indipia thereon are no longer vertical, so that it becomes diicultto note the indicator reading. Furthermore, itis not possible on acomparatively small dial to obtain a reading which will be suiiicientlyaccurate within a large range, as isv done, for example, with indicatorshaving a plurality of co-ordinated pointers, which coact with scales ofdifferent values. It is therefore an object of this invention toovercome these drawbacks.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved device of thenature set forthl having a movable reference means which is synchronizedwith a plurality of pointers.

relative rate of speed with res ect to a sta-- move a plurality ofpointers in synchronism y Another object of the invention is to providea device including a rotary indicator -and reference means, and improvedsetting means for moving the same in any required cluding an indicator,reference vmeans and pointer, the latter having independent drive meansand there bei'ng a unitary means for operating both of the drive meansfor setting the device, all arranged and co-ordinated in an improvedmanner; a reference means which is permanently connected to theindicator in an improved manner to rotate there- 'with in permanent andhence fixed association in setting the device; a device havingrelatively few and simpleparts, which is inexpensive to manufacture andassemble, reliableand eilicient in use, easy and convenient to operate,and susceptible of use under many diferent conditions.

Other ob] ects and advantages of the invent1on will become apparent asthe specifica-- tion proceeds.

With the aforesaidobjects in view, the invention consists in the novelcombinations and arrangements of parts hereinafter described in theirpreferred embodiments, pointed out in the subjoined claims, andillustrated on the annexed drawings, wherein like parts are designatedby the same refera, device em- TB ence characters throughout the severalviews.

A Fig. 4 is a plan view of a modiiica-tion'of the inve tion.

- The aJ vantages 'of the invention as hereoutlined are best realizedwhen all of its features and instrumentalities are combined in one andthe same structure, but, useful devices may be pvroduced embodying lessthan the whole. Y i

It will be obvious to those skilled in the art to which this inventionappertains, that the same maybe incorporated in several differentconstructions. The accompanying drawing, therefore, is submittedmerel asshowing the preferred exemplification o the invention.

Generally described, the invention provides an indicator of any 'wellknown type,'pref erably a pressure sensitive indicator, having indiciaof any suitable'nature .which `are formed on a scale, or scales,according to any desired type, including, for insta-nce, the cylindricaland circular scales. (1o-ordinated with the scale are one or morepointers or reading elements and also one or vmore reference marks, ifdesired. The latter may be variously formed, and can also be in thenature of graduated scales. The pointers and reference marks are movablesynchronously by any desired means, whether manually or mechanically,for an initial setting. The indicator per se may turn with the pointersin setting, maintainin .an accurate reading unf der all conditions; utthe indicator and one or both ofthe scales may be, in a more generalsense, rotatable or otherwise movable relatively to each other, and oneor both of the f different rate with respect to its scale than the otherpointer with res ect to itsscale. Since the scales for the il'erentpointers have different values, the ointers to ether with theircorresponding re erence mar s are movable at relatively different speedsaccording to such values, both in setting the device and in the normalindicating action thereof. With scales having uniform divisions,'a1lsuch movements may be in synchronism, while if the divisions vary inslze, the said movements may correspondin l vary, or may be defined assynchronized wit res ect also to the scale divisions or means; an allmovements herein referred to must 4generally be construed with regard tothe sult may be accomplished in other ways. All through the indictor isshown herein as turning in resetting the device, it may be understoothat this is done in order-to simplify the said mechanism and is not ofthe essence of the invention.

Improved features of the mechanism reside in providing a. driveinterconnecting the pointers or spindles thereof and havingixedconnection with the rotary pressure sensitive indicator at one point.l`and at another with a relatively stationary mounting member or partmovable relatively to the indicator. Thus the pointers are causedto'fmo've at different rates according to the scales, both in .""settingthe device and in normal indicating faction, whereby accurate reading ofthe device is constantly maintained. The signifi` ameter drive elementof the indicator.

cance of the fixed connection mentioned is that a pressure sensitiveldevice moves its pointer back and forth with pressure variation `andalways returns the pointer. to zero or other predetermined positionrelative to the scales, or indicator itself or both. Reference marks forone or both of the pointers may also be moved with their respectivepointers in setting the device, and are otherwise relatively stationary.For simplicity, one of the pointer spindles may rotate directly with theindicator, and the other at different or reducedspeed by the drivementioned which may simply interconnect the spindles; accordingly' oneof the reference marks must move at the same relative rate as theindicator and the other at a different relative rate. The arrangement ofthe device and the mechanism thereof is such that the indicating motionis independent of the setting action, assuring sensitivity, and in factboth motions or actions may occur simultaneously without any variationwhatever "in the accuracy of the reading. For setting the device, aunitary means may be used, forinstance, a

gear or other drive for relative turning of the indicator and referencemarks and for causing simultaneous relative motion of the pointers bytheir drive connected to the stationary i or other mountingaforementioned. In mov-- ing the indicator relative to a dial for settinI the arrangement of the mechanism is suc that, in the case of a pointerand reference mark moving relatively to the indicator, for example,thedrives for the pointer and reference mark may be independent for asensitive actuation of the former, but a unitary drive may co-ordinateboth of the drives mentioned to produce the desired synchronous ymovements. Furthermore, a reference mark that moves with respect to theindicator is preferably so permanently interconnected therewith that inrotating the indicator, the reference mark moves in the predeterminedrelation thereto. The nature of the drive for setting the indicator andreference marks may be shown by referring to a large diameter driveelement between the indicator and dial operated with speed reduction bysaid unitary means, which also engages a large di- A compact and simplestructure is produced.

Although the invention finds its maximum ,utility whenapplied toaltitude indicating devices that are employed in aircraft, it canbeadvantageously used with indicators for temperature, stress, flow, andthe alike.

Referring in detail to the drawing, 10 denotes a device embodying theinvention. The same includes a cylindrical casing or thelike 11 inwhichis housed any desired indicator 12. As the invention .is not restrictedto any. particular type of indicator, the 4latter is shown inconventionalized form. It maybe stated, however, that the said/indicatoris preferably an altimeter of any well known i on the'sleeve is apointer 30 which in the casing, for example, by a central stub shaft 13fixe extends into a h 14 on the casing, a screw 15 being threaded intothe stub shaft to retain the saine inengagement in the hub.

The front part of the casing may include a.

'circular enlargement 16 in which the dial 17 andthe glass 18 arepositioned. The said dial is relatively non-'rotatable and may besecured in any suitable manner. For purposes of illustration, I show thedial as having one or more lugs 19 formed therein and attached to thepart 16by screws 20. i

Extending 1centrally from the indicator 12 is a spindle21\that is turnedby the indicator mechanism in response to any condition that is to beindicated or measured. On the end of said spindle is mounted a pointer22.

Fixed on the spindle 21 is a pinion 23, the teeth of which'm'esh withthose of a gear 24. The latter isjournaled on a pin 25 that is securedto a stationary member such as the dial 17 Rotating with the gear 24 inalined relation therewith is a pinion 26 the teeth of which mesh withthose of a gear 27. The latter is fixed to a sleeve or spindle 28through which freely extends the spindle 21, said sleeve beingliournaled on a hub 29 secured to the dial. Mounted in any suitablemanner may coact with the pointer 22.

On the dial 17 are one or more scales 31, 32 which are of any suitableform to coact with the pointers. T o illustrate, if the device is usedas an altimeter, the scale 31 totals an elevation of one thousand feet,while the scale 32 may indicate a maximum of seventeen thousand feet.'But the scales can be changed to show any vother elevations.

The gear tra-in which includes the pnions 23, 26 and the gears 24, 27interconnecting the pointers is of course so designed as to cause the-latter to move in proper relation to the scales. The mechanism, forturning the indicator, the marks in synchromsm will now be described.

Formed in the casing portion 16 is a pocket 33 having opposite walls 34in which is journaled a spindle 35.V On one end ,of the same is anexternal fngerpiece 36 foiturning the spindle. Mounted on the spindle isa gear 3 the teeth of which mesh with those of a large gear 38 that isconnected in any suitable manner with the indicator 12 or the spindle 21thereof.

Also mounted on the spindle is another gear 39 the teeth of which meshwith those of a larger gear 40. The latter is concentric with theindicator and carries ya reference mark 41 coactin with the large scale31. The gear {nay manner, and as shown .herein consists of a ring thatoverlies and rests againstthe dial ointers and the referencee mounted inany suitable` 17, and is journali-:edl on concentric lugs 42 strucktherefrom.. To retain the said gear ring in position, finger pieces 43may be seto the casing, and whichq cured to the ,casing to bear againstthe gear ring.

velocity as the lar e pointer 22, and hence the indicator 12, and thegear train 37, 38.

Associated with the scale 32 is a reference mark 44 which is movable insynchronism by the following means. The said reference mark 44 iscarried by a large gear 45 at the underside of the dial 17. The latterhas an The gear train 39, 40 is designed to cause` the reference mark 41to move at the same' Ispindle, agear and pinion 51, 52 on a shaft 53that is journaled inthe walls 34, and a gear 53a, on a similarly mountedshaft 54.

The teeth of the gear 53a mesh with those of the large gear 45, Thereference mark 44 is thus movable synchronously with the pointer 30.

In Fig. 4 is shown a modification 10a of the invention in which a dial55, and a reference mark 56 are both stationary, `While the pointer 57is rotatingly adjustable together with a scale 58 lassociated with thereference mark. The latter may be of segmental or ring form anda-portionthereof at the reference mark is visible through an opening 59in the dial. Accordingly, it is' seen that instead of moving thereference mark as shown in Figs. 1 to 3, an associated scalevma'y bemoved. the scale and reference markthus'constituting a reference means.The relative movement of the scale 58 and the pointer 57 may beaccording to any suitable graduation, and in the same or o positedirection, this being readily accomplished by any gear train used forthe purpose. N Adevice is` like the one first described.

In all .other respects this It will thus `beseen that I have provided frespect to the scale means, and means to cause the pointer and referencemeans to move through equal angles in settin the device.

2. A device of the character escribed, including me-ans having indiciathereon, movable pointer means, a reference means movable with respectto said ointer means as a unit therewith and in pre etermined relationwith respect to said indicia, and other meansv to simultaneously movethe reference and pointer means for setting the saine.

3. A device of the character described, including a movable indicatorhaving relatively stationary scale means, a pointer, .reference meansindependent of the pointer, unitary means to move the reference meansinto any desired position with res ect to the scale means, and thepointer and indicator in coordination with the reference means, saidmeans moving the reference vmeans and the pointer simultaneously and inrelatively equal degrees with respect to the scale means,V

4. A device of the character described, in-

cluding a movable indicator having relatively stationary scalemeans, apointer, actuating means to'norinally operate the pointer, areferencemeans, the pointerbeing movable with respect to the reference means, andad- ]usting means to move the reference means, the pointer, and theindicator while maintaining their relativepositions with respect to thescale means to set the reference means in any desired position with thepointer moving for setting independently of the said actuating means. 5.Ay device of the character described, including means having indiciathereon, pointer means,`reference means, other means to move the pointermeans, and the reference means'with res ect tosaid indicia. and inpredetermined ratio for an initial setting of the device, and actuatingmeans` operating the Apointer means independently of the reference meansfor indicating movement.

6. A device of the character described, including means having indiciathereon, pointer means, reference means, manual means to move thepointernmeaiis ,and the reference means with respect to said indicia andin predetermined relation for an initial setting of the device, andactuating means o rating the pointer means inde ndently of thief:reference means for indicating movement.

7. A device of the character described', in-A cluding a circular,non-rotatable scale means, a pointer and reference lmeans movable inconcentric relation with the scale means, means to move the pointerandthe reference means with respect to said scale means in predeterminedrelation for an initial setting of the device, and actuating means tooperate the pointer independently of the reference mean or indicatinmovement with res to sai scale means om the preset position. 8. A deviceo f the c aracter described, iiicluding circular, non-rotatable-scalemeans,

a plurality of pointers associated with the scale means, one of thepointers making a complete rotation for a given movement of the otherointer, reference mark means associated with the ppinters and the scalemeans, means to move t e pointers and the refer- `ence mark means inpredetermined ratio, for an initial setting of the device, and actuatingmeans to operate the pointers independently of the reference mark meansfor indicating movement with respect to said scale means from the presetosition. 9. A device 0F the character described, including circular,non-rotatable scale means, a plurality of pointers, one of the pointersmaking a complete rotation for a given movement of the other pointer,reference mark means associated with the pointers and the scale means,means to move the pointers and the reference mark means in predeterminedratio, for an initial setting ofthe device, and actuating means tooperate the pointers independently of the reference mark means for'indicating movement with respect to said scale means from the presetposition, said actuating means' being connected to the means formovingthe pointers and turning with the latter in the setting of the device.

10. A device of the character described, in cluding a circular,non-rotatable scale means, a pointer and a reference means movable inconcentric relation with the scale means, ad'- justing means to move thepointer and the reference means with respect to said scale means inpredetermined ratio for an initial setting of the device', and actuatingmeans to operate the pointer independently of the reference means forindicating movement with res ct to said scale means from the presetposition, the'actuating means-being connected to the adjusti means ltoturn with the pointer for the initial setting mentioned.

"Itv

11. A device of the` character described, in-

member beingconnected to the indicator to move the'same, and means inproximity'to the front of the device for turn-ing the rotatable member.f

i2. A device ofthe charmer described, inl cluding a rotatable indicator,the same havins m pointer actuated by the indicator, referencemeansmovable alongthe scale. and co-ordi- 'nated with the pointer, andadjusting means to move the indicator, the pointer `and the ativelystationary 4scale means, a

- reference means in predetermined relation to set the same with respectto the scale 13. Adevice of the characterdescribed, including arotatableindicator, the same having relatively stationary scale means, a

pointer actuated by lthe indicator, reference means movable along thescale, and co-ordinated with the pointer, and adjusting means to movethe indicatorthe pointer and the reference means in predeterminedrelation to set the same with respect to the scale means, said ad'ustingmeans including manually operate means in roximity to the front of thedevice, the in icator having means in vcomparative proximity to themanually operated means and engaged thereby to rotate the indicator.

14. A device of the character described, including an indicator, scalemeans, pointer means, reference means, and other means coactin with thepointer means, the indicator, and te reference means to cause them tomove in predetermined ratio with respect tothe sca e means.y -4

15. A device of the character described, including a movable indicator,relativelystationary scale means, pointer means therefor, a relativelystationary reference mark, a reference scale means therefor, and meansto move the indicator, the pointer lmeans and the reference scale meanswith 'respect to the relatively stationary scalemeans and the referencemark. n

16. A device of the character described, including a rotary indicator,a`relatively stationary scale means pointer means therefor actuated bthe in icator, a relatively stationary re erence mark, a movablereference scale means therefor, and unitary setting means to move theindicator and the pointer means with respectnto the relativelystationary scale means and simultaneously the rei.-I

erence scale means with respect to the reference mark.

17. A device including anindicator, scale means, pointer means, a speedmeans operated by the indicator to actuate the pointer means, referencemeans, and other means to simultaneously rotate the indicator, pointermeans and reference means with respect to the scale means and with thepointer means and reference means moving at a different rate than theindicator and-in predetermined relation to the'scale means.

18. A f device including an' indicator, pointer means operated thereby,a combined scale and reference means relatively movable the rotatablemeans and hence the reduction with respect to each other, and means tomove means, the indicator and pointer means as a unit with respect tothe combined scale and reference means for setting the device, saidmeans changing the indication of the comi bined scale and referencemeans in synchronism with the indicator and pointer means.

19. A device including a rotary indicator, a rotary pointer meansthereforrotatable relatively tothe indicator, a scale for the pointermeans, reference means and drive means-interconnecting the referencemeans and the indicator and causing the former to rotate at a differentrate than the latter.

VA20. A' device including an indicator, a pointer movable b theindicator, a scale for the pointer, a re erence means, means forrotating the indicator for setting with the pointer and reference meansmoving simultaneously with the indicator, said means interconnecting theindicator with the pointer and reference means to cause the latter andthe pointer to movev angularly with respect to the indicator to maintainthe relation of the indicator and the scale..

21. A device including an indicator rotatable for setting the same, aspindle turned by the indicator for normal indicating action, a secondspindle, a relatively stationary mounting for the same, pointers for thespindles, a relatively stationary dial, and means Vinterconnecting thespindlesto cause the first s indle to rotate the second spindle in syncronism for setting and for normal indicating action with respect to thedial.

22. A device including an indicator, concentric indles turned thereby,pointers for the spin les, scale means for the pointers, a gear traininterconnecting the spindles, said gear train including end gearssecured to the spindles, and relatively stationary means independent ofthe indicator for mounting the intermediate gears of the gear train,said indicator being rotatable in setting the device/ whereby thepointers are turned with respect to each other and in predeterminedrelation to the scale means.

23. A device including cn cliinideindicn-4 l'sus lio 24. A deviceincluding en altitude indicator, scale means therefor, said scale meansbeing relatively stationary,` and said indicator rotatablerelativethereto for an initial setting to a position to be maintained stationaryduring indicatin action, a spindle rotated to and fro b the in icatoraccording to changes in altitu e and having an otherwise permanent fixedrelation o the indicator, a pinion on said spindle, a second spindleconcentric with the first spindle for slow rota-tion in synchronismtherewith, a pointer and a gear on the second spindle, pinion and gearmeans interconnecting the first mentioned pinion and gear, andrelatively stationary mounting means supporting the pinion and gearmeans'.

25. A device including an indicator which is rotatable for setting,concentric spindles one of which is rotated by the indicator in settingand turned thereby for normal indicatin action, drive meansinterconnecting the spin es to cause the other spindle to move insynchronism with the first mentioned spindle both in setting and innormal indicating action, and indicatin means for the spindles.

26. A device inclu ing an indicator/which is rotatable for setting, aspindle turned thereby for indicating, a pointer on the g5 spindle, astationary scale for the pointer, a P

second pointer, a second spindle therefor, a stationary scalethereforpendent of the indicator for mounting the second spindle, andmeans interconnectin the spindles for rotation inl synchronism witreasis rotatable for setting, concentric spindles one of which isrotated by the indicator in setting and turned thereby vfor normalin'dicatin action, drive means interconnecting the spin es to cause theother spindle to move in synchronism with the first mentioned spindleboth in setting and' in normal indicating action, ointer means forthespindles, a scale means or the pointer means, reference means, andactuating means separate of4 the drive means for rotating the referencemeans together with the indicator in setting the device.

28. A device including an indicator ro-v tatable for setting, a spindlemoving with the indicator in setting and turned -the same with respectthereto for normal in -cat-v ing action, a second s indle, pointers forthe spindles, scale and re erence means, and actuating means associatedwith the indicator, the pointers, and the reference means to cause themto move as a unit with respect to -the scale means in setting thedevice, said actuating-means being normally stationary during in 'eatingaction and having a portion to cause the rst spindle to rotatethe'second' spindle in synchronism 'at a different-rate and inpredetermined relation to the scale means for the indicating action,

29. In an altimetei', the combination 'of I indicator,.a dial vfor-theindicatmg the latter.

and they dial being relatively rotatable for aduated for larger valuesthan the first sca e, means indesetting the device, a pointer turned bythe indicator in responseto variations in altitude, a second pointer,and means interconnecting the pointers so that the second pointer moves,gat a dilerent rate than the first pointer, the dial having scales forthe respective pointers calibrated according to the movements thereof,said means'including a member cosordipointers for the respective scales,the indicator including means for moving the pointl ers with respect toeach other, reference mark means, said indicator, reference mark means,

and scales being normally relatively station? ary, drive means to rotateas a unit the indicator, the reference mark means andthe ointers withres` ect to the scales for setting the device, and ot er meansco-operating with the indicator means to cause the pointers to move withrespect to each other according to the scales, as a result of thesetting action, with the indicator action being independent of thesetting action of, said drive means.

31. A device including a rotary indicator, a dial spaced therefrom,ointer means for the dial operated by the in icator, a reference`ineans, a plurality of concentric drive elements of relatively largediameter, one of said elements being connected to the indicator forrotating the same and the other being positioned between the indicatorand dial for moving the reference means and a single actuating means forturning both elements in synchronism and in predetermined differentspeed relation. y

32. A device including a rotary indicator, a dial spaced therefrom,ointer means for the dial operated by the in icator, a reference means,a plurality of concentric drive elements of relatively large diameter,one of said elements being connected to the indicator for rotatin thesame and the other bein ositioned tween the indicator and dia for movithe reference means, and' a single actuating means for turning bothelements in synchronism and in predetermined speed re-A lation, saidactuatiii means including a spindle having a mem r for turni the elementconnected to the indicator, an a speed reduction drive 4for thereference means ele,- ment actuated by the spindle to cause thereference means vto move at a lower speed than the indicator.

"33. A device including an insiemi? ro-' tatable for setting a dial aspindle operated by the indicator, a secon i mdle concentric iis izo

with the first spindle, stationary means for 13o mounting the secondspindle, a speed reduction drive interconnecting the spindles `forrotatin the second spindle at a lower speed than t e first spindle,pointers for the spindles, a reference means, and a concentric memberofV relatively large diameter for moving the reference means, saidmember having a central opening receiving the said speed reductiondrive, and means for turning the indicator and the member at differentspeeds with respect to each other for setting the device with thereference means moving at the speed of the second spindle.

34. A device vincluding an; altitude indicator, pointers therefor havingdiit'erent degrees of relative movement to each other in setting thedevice and in normal indicating action, a plurality ofvscales for therespective ppinters, the indicator and one of the scales ing relativelyrotatable in setting the de-I vice, reference means rotatable accordingto a desired ositional relationship of the p'ointers and t escales, andactuating means to causeA the relative sitional relation of one pointerwith its in ividual scale to move angularl to the relative positionalrelation of the ot er pointer withits scale, said actuat ing meanscau-sing the reference means to ymove in synchronism with the positionalchanges mentioned.

35. In an altimeter, the combination of an indicator, pointers thereforhaving different degrees of relative movement to each other, a pluralityof scales for the respective pointers, the indicator and one of thescales being relatively movable for setting the device, and means tocause the rate of movement of one ointer with respect to its scale to beuniormly diierent from the rate'of movement 40 of the other pointer withrespect toits scale in setting and in normal indicating action.

36. A device including an indicator, scale `means therefor, a' ointeroperated by the in,- dicator, and a re erence means, connecting l meansfor causing the ointer to move relatively to the indicator or normalindication and setting, actuating means independent of the connec`tingmeans to move the reference means relative to 'the indicator and 5o insynchronism to the pointer thereof, and

other means to cause the connecting and actuating means to move as aunit.

' In testimony whereof I aiix my signa-ture.

' PAUL KOLLSMAN.

